1949 Austin A 90 vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 1981 BMW 525 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin A 90 weights approximately 79 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 90. (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 90 | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 90 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
