1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1977 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1977 Ford Fiesta is newer by 29 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Ford Fiesta (66 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Ford Fiesta 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 165 kg more than 1977 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1977 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1977 Ford Fiesta (111 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Fiesta 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 | 1977 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2290 mm |
