1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 50 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 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, 2005 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 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 | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
