1960 Austin A 55 vs. 1983 BMW 316
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 23 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 1,765 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 316 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Austin A 55 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1983 BMW 316.
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, 1983 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 316 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 | 1983 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1765 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
