1987 BMW 318 vs. 1959 MG MGA
To start off, 1987 BMW 318 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1959 MG MGA. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1959 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 318 weights approximately 66 kg more than 1959 MG MGA. 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, 1987 BMW 318 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 MG MGA. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 1959 MG MGA | |
| Make | BMW | MG |
| Model | 318 | MGA |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 157 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2390 mm |
