1971 Austin 1800 vs. 1975 BMW 316
To start off, 1975 BMW 316 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Austin 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 BMW 316 (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1971 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 1800 weights approximately 124 kg more than 1975 BMW 316.
Because 1975 BMW 316 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 1975 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Austin 1800, 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, 1971 Austin 1800 (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 1800 | 1975 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 1800 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1573 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 58 L |
