1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Plymouth Laser
To start off, 1989 Plymouth Laser is newer by 41 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 1,755 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Plymouth Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Plymouth Laser (91 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Plymouth Laser should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Plymouth Laser weights approximately 180 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, 1989 Plymouth Laser, 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, 1989 Plymouth Laser (142 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1989 Plymouth Laser 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 | 1989 Plymouth Laser | |
| Make | Austin | Plymouth |
| Model | A 40 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1755 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
