1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 57 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), 2012 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 525 weights approximately 690 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40. 2012 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
