1958 Austin A135 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 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, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1958 Austin A135. (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin A135 weights approximately 555 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
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 (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A135. (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A135. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin A135 has manual transmission. 1958 Austin A135 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 A135 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A135 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 341 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 51 L |
