1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 BMW 317
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 44 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 1,665 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 317 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 317 (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 317 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 317 weights approximately 325 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, 1998 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 317 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 | 1998 BMW 317 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 317 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
