1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 615 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 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2011 BMW 520 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 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2968 mm |
