1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 53 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 2,171 cc, 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 450 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, 2008 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2008 BMW 320 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. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2171 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 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 | 1505 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 |
