1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 1981 BMW 528 is newer by 26 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 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 245 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 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 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 528 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2630 mm |
