1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1996 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 48 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 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Suzuki Samurai (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai 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 40 kg more than 1996 Suzuki Samurai.
Because 1996 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1948 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Suzuki Samurai 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 | 1996 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Austin | Suzuki |
| Model | A 40 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2490 mm |
