1950 Austin A135 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 1981 BMW 520 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1950 Austin A135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1950 Austin A135 (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1950 Austin A135 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A135 weights approximately 800 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. 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, 1950 Austin A135 (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1950 Austin A135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A135 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A135 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
