1960 Austin A 55 vs. 1997 BMW 850
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 37 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 278 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 823 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 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 | 1997 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 5379 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2690 mm |
