1960 Austin A 55 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 44 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 348 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, 2004 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
