1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 53 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 1159 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.
Because 2011 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 2011 BMW 535 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. 2011 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
