1960 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 BMW 535
To start off, 1996 BMW 535 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 850 kg more than 1960 Austin A 40. 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin A 40 | 1996 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
