1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 45 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 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 350 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 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 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | A 40 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2260 mm |
