1954 Austin A 30 vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 332 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 1050 kg more than 1954 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, 2008 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 30 | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 30 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
