1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is newer by 63 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 3,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 554 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C weights approximately 464 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C 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 | 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | |
| Make | Austin | McLaren |
| Model | A 40 | MP4-12C |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 592 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1199 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
