1954 Austin A 55 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,665 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1954 Austin A 55. 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, 1998 BMW 318 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 55 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
