1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 48 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 250 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, 2004 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 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 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3750 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 67 L |
