1969 Austin 1300 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,798 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1969 Austin 1300. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1969 Austin 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 805 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 550 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 550. 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Austin 1300. (101 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Austin 1300. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1969 Austin 1300 has manual transmission. 1969 Austin 1300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Austin 1300 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 1300 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 4798 cc |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 70 L |
