1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Honda Life
To start off, 1973 Honda Life 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1950 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1950 Austin A 40 (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1973 Honda Life. (30 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1950 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A 40 weights approximately 476 kg more than 1973 Honda Life. 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 Honda Life, 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, 1950 Austin A 40 (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Life. (29 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1950 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1973 Honda Life | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Life |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 29 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 50.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 127 km/hour | 113 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 61 L |
