1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 114 kg more than 1950 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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
