1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 59 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 120 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 365 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, 2008 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 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 | 2008 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
