1960 Austin A 55 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 258 kg more than 1960 Austin A 55. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
1960 Austin A 55 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
Make | Austin | BMW |
Model | A 55 | 3 |
Year Released | 1960 | 1971 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 51 HP | 180 HP |
Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 111 Nm | 255 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3700 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |