1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 605 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 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 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 525 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
