1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Honda Civic
To start off, 1974 Honda Civic is newer by 26 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Honda Civic (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Honda Civic 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 295 kg more than 1974 Honda Civic.
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, 1974 Honda Civic, 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, 1948 Austin A 40 (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1948 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 1974 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2210 mm |
