1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 BMW 3.3
To start off, 1973 BMW 3.3 is newer by 25 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 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3.3 (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 480 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, 1973 BMW 3.3 (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3.3 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 | 1973 BMW 3.3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 3.3 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 95 L |
