1964 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 44 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1964 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 740 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin A 40. (82 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 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 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 70 L |
