1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 BMW 120
To start off, 2007 BMW 120 is newer by 46 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), 2007 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 120 weights approximately 580 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, 2007 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 120 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 | 2007 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2007 |
| 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 | 154 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
