1964 Austin A 40 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1964 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1964 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin A 40. (82 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin A 40 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2670 mm |
