1959 MG MGA vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1959 MG MGA. (106 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1959 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1959 MG MGA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 320 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 MG MGA. (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 MG MGA | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | MG | BMW |
| Model | MGA | 320 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2810 mm |
