1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 BMW 130
To start off, 2007 BMW 130 is newer by 51 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 130 (261 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 130 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 130 weights approximately 325 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, 2007 BMW 130 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 2007 BMW 130 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. 2007 BMW 130 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 2007 BMW 130 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 130 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 53 L |
