1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1983 BMW 628
To start off, 1983 BMW 628 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 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 628 weights approximately 420 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, 1983 BMW 628 (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1983 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 | 1983 BMW 628 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 628 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| 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 | 1050 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 | 72 L | 70 L |
