1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1972 BMW M1
To start off, 1972 BMW M1 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55.
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, 1972 BMW M1 (177 Nm) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1972 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 55 | 1972 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | M1 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
