1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 58 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1953 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, 2011 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 53 L |
