1962 Austin A 40 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 51 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 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 871 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.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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 3 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10:01 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1434 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
