1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 58 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), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 525 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, 2010 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 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 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
