1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 BMW 116
To start off, 2011 BMW 116 is newer by 63 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 116 (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 116 weights approximately 400 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, 2011 BMW 116 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 116 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 | 2011 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 116 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 51 L |
