1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1981 BMW 725
To start off, 1981 BMW 725 is newer by 22 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 725 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 725 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, 1981 BMW 725 (215 Nm) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1981 BMW 725 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 | 1981 BMW 725 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 725 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2810 mm |
