1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1991 Beijing BJ 212
To start off, 1991 Beijing BJ 212 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Beijing BJ 212 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Beijing BJ 212 (87 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Beijing BJ 212 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Beijing BJ 212 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1955 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Beijing BJ 212 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1955 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Beijing BJ 212 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1991 Beijing BJ 212 (182 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1991 Beijing BJ 212 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 1991 Beijing BJ 212 | |
| Make | Austin | Beijing |
| Model | A 40 | BJ 212 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1991 |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
