1955 Austin A 30 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1955 Austin A 30. 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 (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 30 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 30 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
