1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2010 BMW 325
To start off, 2010 BMW 325 is newer by 51 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 325 (194 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 325 weights approximately 830 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, 2010 BMW 325 (400 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 325 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 | 2010 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 61 L |
