1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 51 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), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 1160 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 2012 BMW 535 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, 2012 BMW 535 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 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 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
