1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 BMW 628
To start off, 1980 BMW 628 is newer by 24 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 2,787 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW 628 weights approximately 440 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, 1980 BMW 628 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 BMW 628 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 | 1980 BMW 628 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 628 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2787 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
