1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1956 Porsche 356 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Porsche 356 (59 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A 40 weights approximately 138 kg more than 1956 Porsche 356.
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, 1956 Porsche 356 (110 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Austin | Porsche |
| Model | A 40 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 74 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 52 L |
