1989 BMW 850 vs. 1960 MG MGA
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 MG MGA would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1960 MG MGA. (106 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1960 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1960 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 MG MGA. (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 MG MGA. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1960 MG MGA has manual transmission. 1960 MG MGA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1960 MG MGA | |
| Make | BMW | MG |
| Model | 850 | MGA |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2390 mm |
