1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1958 BMW 503
To start off, 1962 Austin A 40 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1962 Austin A 40. 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, 1958 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin A 40 | 1958 BMW 503 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 75 L |
