1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1995 BMW S3
To start off, 1995 BMW S3 is newer by 40 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 695 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.
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, 1995 BMW S3 (260 Nm) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm). This means 1995 BMW S3 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 | 1995 BMW S3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | S3 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2770 mm |
