1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 BMW 316
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 37 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 316 (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 850 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, 1988 BMW 316 (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 316 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 | 1988 BMW 316 | |
Make | Austin | BMW |
Model | A 40 | 316 |
Year Released | 1951 | 1988 |
Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 49 HP | 86 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 83 Nm | 127 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1840 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4220 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |