1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 BMW X3
To start off, 2011 BMW X3 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X3 (311 HP @ 3300 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X3 weights approximately 1165 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 X3 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 X3 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 X3 (630 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 562 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X3 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 X3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | X3 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 67 L |
