1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 729 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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 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 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
