1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 56 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 182 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, 2008 Honda Civic, 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, 2008 Honda Civic (188 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Civic 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 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
