1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 45 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 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (141 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 640 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (180 Nm) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm). This means 1996 BMW Z3 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 | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 63 L |
