1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 48 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 542 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 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 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
