1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1989 Nissan Santana 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Santana (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Santana should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Santana weights approximately 104 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.
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 Nissan Santana, 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 Nissan Santana (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Santana 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 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | A 40 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1989 |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2560 mm |
