1954 Austin A vs. 2008 BMW 650
To start off, 2008 BMW 650 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 650 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1954 Austin A. (130 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A weights approximately 335 kg more than 2008 BMW 650.
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, 2008 BMW 650 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A. (287 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A | 2008 BMW 650 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A | 650 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
