1961 Austin A vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 29 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A weights approximately 65 kg more than 1990 BMW 316.
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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A. (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A | 316 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
