1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 58 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 4,799 cc, 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 694 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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 406 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 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 | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 4799 cc |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 127 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
