1951 Austin A 90 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1951 Austin A 90. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 90. (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 90 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 90 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2830 mm |
