1961 Austin A vs. 1989 BMW 850
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 647 kg more than 1961 Austin A. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A. (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A | 1989 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A | 850 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
