1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 27 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 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 440 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 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 | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2303 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
