1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Ford Escort
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 40 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Escort (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40.
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, 1989 Ford Escort, 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, 1989 Ford Escort (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Escort 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 | 1989 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 74 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 54 L |
