1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 BMW 316
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 316 (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1952 Austin A 40. 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, 1998 BMW 316 (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 1998 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
