1969 Austin 3-Litre 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 3-Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Austin 3-Litre would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1969 Austin 3-Litre. (124 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1969 Austin 3-Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 172 kg more than 1969 Austin 3-Litre. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Austin 3-Litre. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Austin 3-Litre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Austin 3-Litre | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 3-Litre | 550 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 4799 cc |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
