1956 Austin A 40 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 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. 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 (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Austin A 40 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
Make | Austin | BMW |
Model | A 40 | 520 |
Year Released | 1956 | 1977 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1990 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 49 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 100 Nm | 160 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2640 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |