1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 52 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 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, 2008 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 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 | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 63 L |
