1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 BMW 123
To start off, 2011 BMW 123 is newer by 57 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 (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 123 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 123 weights approximately 585 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, 2011 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 123 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 | 2011 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 51 L |
