1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 22 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 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 828 kg more than 1952 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1952 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (373 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Austin | Plymouth |
| Model | A 40 | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2700 mm |
