1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 452 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 M3 (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 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 M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| 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 | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
