1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 63 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 655 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.
Because 2012 BMW 328 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1949 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 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 | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 328 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 57 L |
