1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 Austin Maxi
To start off, 1980 Austin Maxi is newer by 32 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 1,748 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Austin Maxi (72 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Austin Maxi weights approximately 14 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1980 Austin Maxi, 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, 1980 Austin Maxi (132 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1980 Austin Maxi 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 | 1980 Austin Maxi | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A 40 | Maxi |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1748 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 95.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 984 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 47 L |
