1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 BMW 317
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 47 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 1,665 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 317 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 317 (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 317 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 317 weights approximately 385 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, 1998 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 317 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 | 1998 BMW 317 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 317 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2730 mm |
