1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 308 is newer by 29 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 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 290 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, 1981 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 308 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 | 1981 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Austin | Ferrari |
| Model | A 40 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 74 L |
