1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 56 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 385 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, 2011 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2011 BMW 120 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. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |
