1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 BMW 323
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 47 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 467 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 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 | 1999 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 63 L |
