1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 50 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 364 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 1535 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.
Because 2011 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 541 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 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 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 2295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
