1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW 330
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 50 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 834 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, 2008 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 2008 BMW 330 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. 2008 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 2008 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1595 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 |
