1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 640 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 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 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 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
