1959 Austin A 55 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 31 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 55. (54 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 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 40 kg more than 1990 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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 55. (68 Nm). This means 1990 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 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
Make | Austin | BMW |
Model | A 55 | 316 |
Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 54 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 68 Nm | 141 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1080 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 |