1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 47 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 141 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40.
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, 2006 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 523 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 | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
