1957 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 378 kg more than 1957 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, 2001 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A 40. 2001 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1957 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1957 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A 40 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3750 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 63 L |
