1969 Austin 1300 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Austin 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Austin 1300 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1969 Austin 1300. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1969 Austin 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 725 kg more than 1969 Austin 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 320 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Austin 1300, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 BMW 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Austin 1300. (101 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Austin 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Austin 1300 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 1300 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 63 L |
