1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 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 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 515 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 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 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2740 mm |
