1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1959 BMW 507
To start off, 1959 BMW 507 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 507 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. 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, 1959 BMW 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 1959 BMW 507 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 507 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 110 L |
