1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1986 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1986 Toyota Tercel is newer by 34 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 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Toyota Tercel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Toyota Tercel (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Tercel 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 210 kg more than 1986 Toyota Tercel.
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, 1986 Toyota Tercel, 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, 1986 Toyota Tercel (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Toyota Tercel 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 | 1986 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Austin | Toyota |
| Model | A 40 | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2440 mm |
