1948 Austin 16 vs. 1978 BMW 730
To start off, 1978 BMW 730 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1948 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1948 Austin 16. 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, 1978 BMW 730 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin 16. (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin 16.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin 16 | 1978 BMW 730 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 16 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
