1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1984 BMW 318
To start off, 1984 BMW 318 is newer by 23 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 318 (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 318 weights approximately 240 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, 1984 BMW 318 (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 318 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 | 1984 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 55 L |
