1961 Austin A vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 52 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 1 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 310 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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A. (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A | 2013 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4373 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1919 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 53 L |
