1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1991 BMW Z1
To start off, 1991 BMW Z1 is newer by 41 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW Z1 weights approximately 280 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, 1991 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1991 BMW Z1 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 | 1991 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | Z1 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2450 mm |
