1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1993 Ford Contour
To start off, 1993 Ford Contour is newer by 45 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Contour (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 272 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, 1993 Ford Contour, 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, 1993 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour 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 | 1993 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
