1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1992 BMW 850
To start off, 1992 BMW 850 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 850 weights approximately 1029 kg more than 1958 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, 1992 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 382 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1992 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 52 L |
