1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1984 BMW 318
To start off, 1984 BMW 318 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 318 (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 318 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1951 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, 1984 BMW 318 (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 1984 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
