1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Austin Maxi
To start off, 1973 Austin Maxi is newer by 23 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 1,485 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Austin Maxi (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Austin Maxi weights approximately 10 kg more than 1950 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1950 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 1950 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Austin Maxi, 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, 1973 Austin Maxi (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1973 Austin Maxi 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 | 1973 Austin Maxi | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A 40 | Maxi |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1485 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
