1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Proton 400
To start off, 1998 Proton 400 is newer by 49 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Proton 400 weights approximately 26 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, 1998 Proton 400, 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, 1998 Proton 400 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1998 Proton 400 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 | 1998 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Austin | Proton |
| Model | A 40 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2510 mm |
