1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 44 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), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 635 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, 2005 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| 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 | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
