1956 Austin A 30 vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 1977 BMW 520 is newer by 21 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 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 885 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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 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 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 30 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| 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 | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
