Italy vs UK — 1947 vs 1954
| 125 S | 100 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 132 hp |
| Torque | 83 lb-ft | 160 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,497 cc | 2,660 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 10.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 106 mph | 110 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 17.8 sec |
| Weight | 1,654 lbs | 2,183 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,286 mm |
| Length | 3,950 mm | 3,912 mm |
| Units Produced | 2 | 3,924 |
| Original MSRP | — | $2,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $10,000,000 | $95,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1947 Ferrari 125 S brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1954 Austin-Healey 100 S answers with more power, higher top speed, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Italy and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1947 Ferrari 125 S versus 1954 Austin-Healey 100 S is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1947 Ferrari 125 S producing 118 hp and the 1954 Austin-Healey 100 S delivering 132 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ferrari 125 S uses a V12 SOHC displacing 1,497 cc, while the Austin-Healey 100 relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 2,660 cc. The 1954 Austin-Healey 100 S claims a higher top speed at 110 mph compared to 106 mph. The Ferrari 125 S carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 529 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 2 units built, the 1947 Ferrari 125 S is considerably scarcer than the Austin-Healey 100's 3,924 examples. On the collector market, the 1947 Ferrari 125 S commands a significant premium over the 1954 Austin-Healey 100 S, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1947 Ferrari 125 S rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.