1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 53 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (271 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 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, 2012 BMW 530 (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 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 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
