1996 BMW 520 vs. 1960 MG MGA
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 36 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 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1960 MG MGA. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1960 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 596 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, 1996 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 MG MGA. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1960 MG MGA | |
| Make | BMW | MG |
| Model | 520 | MGA |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 220 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 | 1496 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2390 mm |
