1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 46 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 128 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.
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, 1998 Mazda 323, 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 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 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
