1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2001 BMW 320
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1961 Austin A 55. 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, 2001 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 55 | 2001 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
