1960 Austin A 55 vs. 1999 BMW 318
To start off, 1999 BMW 318 is newer by 39 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 276 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, 1999 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 318 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 | 1999 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
