1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1961 Austin A
To start off, 1961 Austin A is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 38 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A weights approximately 175 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40.
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, 1961 Austin A (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1961 Austin A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 1961 Austin A | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A 40 | A |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
