1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 49 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 710 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, 2008 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 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 | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 63 L |
