1961 Austin A vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 51 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 700 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A. (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A | 535 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
