1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 BMW 116
To start off, 2009 BMW 116 is newer by 55 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), 2009 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 116 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 116 weights approximately 495 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, 2009 BMW 116 (151 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 116 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 | 2009 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 116 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
