1975 Austin 1800 vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 2,991 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1975 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1975 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1975 Austin 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 530 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 2008 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 2008 BMW 530 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Austin 1800. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Austin 1800 | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | 1800 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
