1960 Austin A 55 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 14 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), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 311 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1974 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 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1974 |
| 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 | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2700 mm |
