1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1977 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1977 Lancia Beta is newer by 26 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Lancia Beta (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Beta weights approximately 55 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.
Because 1951 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 1951 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Lancia Beta, 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, 1977 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1977 Lancia Beta 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 | 1977 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | A 40 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 49 L |
