1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2006 BMW 316
To start off, 2006 BMW 316 is newer by 48 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 316 weights approximately 704 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, 2006 BMW 316 (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 316 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 | 2006 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 63 L |
