1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 BMW 323
To start off, 1982 BMW 323 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 BMW 323 (148 HP) has 112 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1982 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 BMW 323 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. 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, 1982 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1982 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2315 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 148 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 102 L |
