1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1957 Porsche 356
To start off, 1957 Porsche 356 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,581 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Porsche 356 (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 40 weights approximately 182 kg more than 1957 Porsche 356.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 1957 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Austin | Porsche |
| Model | A 40 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 74 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2110 mm |
