1951 Austin A vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 757 kg more than 1951 Austin A. 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 2003 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A | M3 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 95 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 65 L |
