1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 51 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 764 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 2009 BMW 120 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. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 51 L |
