1952 Austin A vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A would be higher. At 3,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 Austin A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1952 Austin A. (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A weights approximately 580 kg more than 2008 BMW 318.
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, 1952 Austin A (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1952 Austin A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A | 318 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 63 L |
