1957 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2009 BMW 135
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 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 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 405 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 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. (143 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin-Healey 100. 2009 BMW 135 has automatic transmission and 1957 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1957 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 135 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin-Healey 100 | 2009 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | 100 | 135 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 53 L |
