1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Ford Ka
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 54 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), 2003 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Ka (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka 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 8 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka.
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, 2003 Ford Ka, 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, 2003 Ford Ka (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Ka 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 | 2003 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2003 |
| 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 | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 962 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 40 L |
