1951 Austin A vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 53 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 780 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, 2004 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A | 320 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 63 L |
