1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1967 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1967 Riley Kestrel is newer by 19 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 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1967 Riley Kestrel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1967 Riley Kestrel (57 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1967 Riley Kestrel should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin A 40 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1967 Riley Kestrel.
Because 1948 Austin A 40 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 1948 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1967 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1967 Riley Kestrel (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1967 Riley Kestrel 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 | 1967 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Austin | Riley |
| Model | A 40 | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1967 |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2380 mm |
