1949 Austin A 90 vs. 1986 BMW M5
To start off, 1986 BMW M5 is newer by 37 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 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1949 Austin A 90. 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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 90. (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 90. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1949 Austin A 90 has manual transmission. 1949 Austin A 90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 90 | 1986 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 90 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 3428 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1519 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 120 L |
