1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2002 BMW M3
To start off, 2002 BMW M3 is newer by 51 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW M3 weights approximately 625 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, 2002 BMW M3 (355 Nm) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm). This means 2002 BMW M3 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 | 2002 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 67 L |
