1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2002 Caterham Superlight R
To start off, 2002 Caterham Superlight R is newer by 52 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Caterham Superlight R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Caterham Superlight R 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 480 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
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, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2002 Caterham Superlight R 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 | 2002 Caterham Superlight R | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | A 40 | Superlight R |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2230 mm |
