1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1956 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1956 Ford Prefect is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Austin A 40 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin A 40 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1956 Ford Prefect. 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, 1953 Austin A 40 (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1953 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 1956 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2220 mm |
