2008 Alpina B5 vs. 1955 Austin-Healey 100
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 404 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B5 weights approximately 775 kg more than 1955 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, 2008 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 556 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. 2008 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Alpina B5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | |
| Make | Alpina | Austin-Healey |
| Model | B5 | 100 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2660 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 109 L |
