UK vs UK — 1956 vs 1949
| 100/6 BN4 | DB1 2-Litre Sports | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 102 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 142 lb-ft | 110 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,639 cc | 1,970 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.6 sec | 14.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 109 mph | 93 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.3 sec | — |
| Weight | 2,398 lbs | 2,359 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,337 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 3,937 mm | 4,140 mm |
| Units Produced | 10,825 | 15 |
| Original MSRP | $3,100 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $900,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 10/10 |
On balance, the 1956 Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4 makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports counters with greater rarity, stronger collectibility, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1956 Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4 for outright capability, or the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports for a more distinctive ownership experience.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1956 Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4 versus the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports. Both hail from Post-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1956 Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4 producing 102 hp and the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports delivering 90 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Austin-Healey 100/6 uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 2,639 cc, while the Aston Martin DB1 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC with 1,970 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1956 Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4 edges ahead at 11.6 seconds versus 14.2 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 15 units built, the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports is considerably scarcer than the Austin-Healey 100/6's 10,825 examples. On the collector market, the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports commands a significant premium over the 1956 Austin-Healey 100/6 BN4, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1949 Aston Martin DB1 2-Litre Sports rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.