1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1985 BMW M5
To start off, 1985 BMW M5 is newer by 31 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 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1954 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, 1985 BMW M5 (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1985 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
