1959 Austin A 135 vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1981 BMW M1 is newer by 22 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, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 135. (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 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 780 kg more than 1981 BMW M1.
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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 135. (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 135.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 135 | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 135 | M1 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 116 L |
