1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1985 BMW M5
To start off, 1985 BMW M5 is newer by 36 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 530 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, 1985 BMW M5 (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M5 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 | 1985 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
