1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 BMW 323
To start off, 2011 BMW 323 is newer by 61 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), 2011 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 323 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40.
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, 2011 BMW 323 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 323 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 | 2011 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 60 L |
