1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 BMW 135
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 58 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 330 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 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 | 2009 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 135 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 53 L |
