1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 308 is newer by 32 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 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1949 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 308 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 | 1981 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Austin | Ferrari |
| Model | A 40 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 71 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 | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 74 L |
