1951 Austin A vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 58 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), 2009 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 840 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, 2009 BMW 320 (351 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1951 Austin A has manual transmission. 1951 Austin A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A | 320 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2009 |
| 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 | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 95 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 61 L |
