1959 Austin A 135 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 135. (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 135 weights approximately 647 kg more than 1974 BMW 3.
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, 1959 Austin A 135 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1959 Austin A 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 135 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 135 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2700 mm |
