1956 Austin A 30 vs. 1954 BMW 502
To start off, 1956 Austin A 30 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,578 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 BMW 502 (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 BMW 502 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1956 Austin A 30. 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, 1954 BMW 502 (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 30 | 1954 BMW 502 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 30 | 502 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 2578 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 6.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
