1954 Austin A 70 vs. 1961 BMW 501
To start off, 1961 BMW 501 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 BMW 501 (100 HP) has 34 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 70. (66 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1961 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 501 weights approximately 61 kg more than 1954 Austin A 70. 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, 1961 BMW 501 (182 Nm) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 70. (157 Nm). This means 1961 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 70 | 1961 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 70 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 2580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 110 L |
