1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 BMW 318
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 57 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 318 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 535 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, 2007 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 318 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 | 2007 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 63 L |
