1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2005 BMW 740
To start off, 2005 BMW 740 is newer by 44 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 4,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 740 (328 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 740 weights approximately 815 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, 2005 BMW 740 (390 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 740 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 | 2005 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 88 L |
