1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 56 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 325 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40.
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, 2011 BMW 325 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 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 | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 57 L |
