1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 BMW M
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 46 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 3,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (325 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M weights approximately 345 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, 2001 BMW M (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M 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 | 2001 BMW M | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | M |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 51 L |
