1960 Austin A 55 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 49 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), 2009 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 383 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, 2009 BMW 318 (181 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2009 |
| 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 | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
