1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 BMW 325
To start off, 2007 BMW 325 is newer by 49 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 325 weights approximately 724 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, 2007 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 2007 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1958 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 2007 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 63 L |
