1953 Austin A 30 vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1981 BMW M1 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW M1 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1953 Austin A 30. 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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 30 | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 30 | M1 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 116 L |
