1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 59 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), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 559 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 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 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
