1964 Austin A 90 vs. 1989 BMW 518
To start off, 1989 BMW 518 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin A 90 (120 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin A 90 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin A 90 weights approximately 412 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. 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, 1964 Austin A 90 (221 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1964 Austin A 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin A 90 | 1989 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 90 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2770 mm |
