1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1983 BMW 316
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 27 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 1,572 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 316 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1983 BMW 316.
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, 1983 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 316 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 | 1983 BMW 316 | |
Make | Austin | BMW |
Model | A 40 | 316 |
Year Released | 1956 | 1983 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1572 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 41 HP | 88 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 79 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4330 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |