1950 Austin A135 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 46 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1950 Austin A135. (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A135 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A135. (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A135.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A135 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A135 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
