1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 490 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 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 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 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 63 L |
