1961 Austin A 99 vs. 2003 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 99 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Austin A 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 99. (107 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 99 weights approximately 270 kg more than 2003 BMW 318.
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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 99. (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 99. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1961 Austin A 99 has manual transmission. 1961 Austin A 99 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 99 | 2003 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 99 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 162 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 63 L |
