1961 Austin A vs. 2004 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 BMW 520 is newer by 43 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 525 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, 2004 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A. (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A | 2004 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A | 520 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
