1949 Austin A 90 vs. 1978 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 1978 Lancia Stratos is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin A 90 weights approximately 379 kg more than 1978 Lancia Stratos.
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, 1978 Lancia Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 90. (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 90 | 1978 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | A 90 | Stratos |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2419 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 80 L |
