1957 Austin A135 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A135 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1957 Austin A135. (148 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin A135 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A135. (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A135.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A135 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A135 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
