1958 Austin A135 vs. 1998 BMW 323
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Austin A135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (169 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1958 Austin A135. (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin A135 weights approximately 650 kg more than 1998 BMW 323.
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, 1958 Austin A135 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 Austin A135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A135 | 1998 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A135 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 63 L |
