1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 40 weights approximately 172 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta 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 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 34 L |
