1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 ZIL 117
To start off, 1978 ZIL 117 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 6,958 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 117 (296 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 117 weights approximately 1978 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 ZIL 117 (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 490 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 117 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 ZIL 117 | |
| Make | Austin | ZIL |
| Model | A 40 | 117 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 6958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 2950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3310 mm |
