1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1976 Fiat 131
To start off, 1976 Fiat 131 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Fiat 131 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Fiat 131 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1951 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1976 Fiat 131 (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 1976 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 50 L |
