1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 206 kg more than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 51 L |
