1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 56 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 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 598 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 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 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 63 L |
