1960 Austin A 40 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 53 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 975 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.7 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 61 L |
