1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 52 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 390 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, 2004 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 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 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 63 L |
