1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW 135
To start off, 2008 BMW 135 is newer by 47 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 135 weights approximately 800 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, 2008 BMW 135 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 135 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 | 2008 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 135 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
