1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 BMW 316
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 34 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 316 (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 810 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, 1988 BMW 316 (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 316 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 | 1988 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
