1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1991 Lada Samara
To start off, 1991 Lada Samara is newer by 42 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 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lada Samara (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lada Samara 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 46 kg more than 1991 Lada Samara.
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, 1991 Lada Samara, 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, 1991 Lada Samara (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1991 Lada Samara 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 | 1991 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Austin | Lada |
| Model | A 40 | Samara |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2470 mm |
