1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1979 Honda Prelude is newer by 30 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 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Honda Prelude (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Honda Prelude 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 50 kg more than 1979 Honda Prelude.
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, 1979 Honda Prelude, 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, 1979 Honda Prelude (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1979 Honda Prelude 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 | 1979 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
