1961 Austin A 55 vs. 2009 BMW 650
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 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 (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (361 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 650 weights approximately 405 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 650 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 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 650 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 55 | 650 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 361 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 488 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 | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
