1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 35 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 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 828 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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm). This means 1996 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 | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 86.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2730 mm |
