1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Austin A 55 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
Make | Austin | BMW |
Model | A 55 | 3 |
Year Released | 1955 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 3003 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 51 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 272 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1270 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2630 mm |