1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 McLaren F1
To start off, 2003 McLaren F1 is newer by 52 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 6,062 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 580 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 McLaren F1 weights approximately 200 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, 2003 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 569 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 McLaren F1 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 | 2003 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Austin | McLaren |
| Model | A 40 | F1 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 6062 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2720 mm |
