1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 404 kg more than 1949 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2620 mm |
