1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 BMW 320
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 42 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 320 (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 730 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, 2003 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 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 | 2003 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
