1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1953 Austin-Healey 100
To start off, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin A 40 weights approximately 22 kg more than 1953 Austin-Healey 100.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1953 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | |
| Make | Austin | Austin-Healey |
| Model | A 40 | 100 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2660 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 948 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 54 L |
