1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1978 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 26 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 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 118 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.
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, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1978 Chrysler 1609 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 | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Austin | Chrysler |
| Model | A 40 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
