1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1979 Ford Fiesta is newer by 29 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 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1950 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1950 Austin A 40 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1950 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A 40 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1979 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1979 Ford Fiesta, 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 (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1950 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1979 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 55.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 34 L |
