1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 BMW X3
To start off, 2009 BMW X3 is newer by 50 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), 2009 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW X3 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW X3 weights approximately 896 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.
Because 2009 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 BMW X3 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW X3 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 | 2009 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | X3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 67 L |
