1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 57 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 740 (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 955 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, 2012 BMW 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2012 BMW 740 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. 2012 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5215 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3210 mm |
