1951 Austin A 70 vs. 1988 BMW M5
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 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 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 70. (66 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 453 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. Let's talk about torque, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 70. (157 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 70 | 1988 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 70 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 3533 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1733 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2770 mm |
