1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 55 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 690 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, 2004 BMW 525 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 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 | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
