1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW X5
To start off, 2008 BMW X5 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X5 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X5 weights approximately 1140 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.
Because 2008 BMW X5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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 X5 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 2008 BMW X5 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. 2008 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 2008 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | X5 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 93 L |
