1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 30 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 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 436 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird 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 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 3275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2760 mm |
