1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 50 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 444 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. 2004 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 63 L |
