1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 BMW 320
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 50 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 535 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, 2001 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 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 | 2001 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1505 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 63 L |
