1956 Austin A 30 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 45 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 715 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, 2001 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 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 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 30 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 63 L |
