1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2003 BMW 330
To start off, 2003 BMW 330 is newer by 42 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 330 (184 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 330 weights approximately 685 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.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Austin A 55. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 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, 2003 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 330 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 | 2003 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
