1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1987 BMW 318
To start off, 1987 BMW 318 is newer by 33 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 40 weights approximately 64 kg more than 1987 BMW 318.
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, 1987 BMW 318 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 318 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 | 1987 BMW 318 | |
Make | Austin | BMW |
Model | A 40 | 318 |
Year Released | 1954 | 1987 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 41 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 84 Nm | 161 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 966 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4330 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2580 mm |