1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1961 BMW 700
To start off, 1961 BMW 700 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Austin A 40 (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1961 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 40 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1961 BMW 700. 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, 1954 Austin A 40 (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1954 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1961 BMW 700 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 700 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 31 L |
