Austin-Healey 100

vs

Porsche 356A

UK vs West Germany — 1953 vs 1956

Austin-Healey 100 (1953)
Porsche 356A (1956)
Specifications
100 BN2356A Carrera GT Coupe
Horsepower110 hp100 hp
Torque145 lb-ft83 lb-ft
Engine Size2,660 cc1,498 cc
0-60 mph10.3 sec10.0 sec
Top Speed110 mph124 mph
¼ Mile17.5 sec17.0 sec
Weight2,169 lbs1,940 lbs
Wheelbase2,286 mm2,100 mm
Length3,835 mm3,950 mm
Units Produced14,634700
Original MSRP$2,985$4,950
Value (Excellent)$100,000$800,000
Collectibility8/109/10
Rarity6/109/10
The Verdict

The 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1953 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.

Overview

Putting the 1953 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 against the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — UK versus West Germany. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1953 Austin-Healey 100 BN2 producing 110 hp and the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe delivering 100 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Austin-Healey 100 uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 2,660 cc, while the Porsche 356A relies on a Flat-4 DOHC (Type 547/1) with 1,498 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe edges ahead at 10.0 seconds versus 10.3 seconds. The Porsche 356A carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 229 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 700 units built, the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe is considerably scarcer than the Austin-Healey 100's 14,634 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1953 Austin-Healey 100 BN2, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.