1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2004 BMW 316
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 49 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 320 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, 2004 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2004 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 55 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 55 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2004 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
