1951 Austin A vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 57 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), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 710 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, 2008 BMW 318 (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A | 318 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
| 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 | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 95 km/hour | 219 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1395 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 |
