1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1987 BMW 316
To start off, 1987 BMW 316 is newer by 28 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 1,571 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 316 (86 HP) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 55 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1987 BMW 316.
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, 1987 BMW 316 (123 Nm) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1987 BMW 316 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 | 1987 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1571 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 86 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
