1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 685 kg more than 1959 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Austin A 40 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
Make | Austin | BMW |
Model | A 40 | 520 |
Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 997 cc | 1991 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 34 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 68 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1445 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 80 L |