1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 23 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40.
Because 1952 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 1952 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta, 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta 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 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | A 40 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2360 mm |
