1962 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 812 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, 2005 BMW M3 (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 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 | 2005 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
