1960 Austin A 55 vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 28 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 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 174 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, 1988 BMW M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 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 | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2302 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 58 L |
