1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 53 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), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 565 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, 2005 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 63 L |
