1951 Austin A 70 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1951 Austin A 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 70. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1951 Austin A 70. 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. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1951 Austin A 70 has manual transmission. 1951 Austin A 70 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 70 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 70 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
