1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 BMW 318
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 36 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 685 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, 1997 BMW 318 (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
