1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 BMW 325
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 325 weights approximately 469 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. 2009 BMW 325 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. 2009 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 2009 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75 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 | 1495 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 |
