1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Innocenti Mini
To start off, 1978 Innocenti Mini is newer by 29 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 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Innocenti Mini (48 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Innocenti Mini 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 244 kg more than 1978 Innocenti Mini.
Because 1949 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 1949 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Innocenti Mini, 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, 1949 Austin A 40 (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Innocenti Mini. (69 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1949 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Innocenti Mini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 1978 Innocenti Mini | |
| Make | Austin | Innocenti |
| Model | A 40 | Mini |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 64.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 726 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2050 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 38 L |
