1952 Austin A 90 vs. 1997 BMW S3
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 90 weights approximately 22 kg more than 1997 BMW S3.
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, 1997 BMW S3 (330 Nm) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 90. (190 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 90 | 1997 BMW S3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 90 | S3 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
