1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 BMW 745
To start off, 1981 BMW 745 is newer by 25 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 566 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, 1981 BMW 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 1981 BMW 745 has automatic transmission and 1956 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1956 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 BMW 745 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1981 BMW 745 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 745 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 100 L |
