1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1991 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 40 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 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin A 40 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 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 | 1991 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | A 40 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 36 L |
