1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 57 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 665 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 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
