1956 Austin A 30 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 700 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 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 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 30 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.1:1 |
| 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 | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2700 mm |
