1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair is newer by 38 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 430 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, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair, 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, 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair 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 | 1989 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Austin | Mitsubishi |
| Model | A 40 | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1450 mm |
