1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1959 Porsche 356 is newer by 6 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Porsche 356 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Porsche 356 (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin A 40 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Austin | Porsche |
| Model | A 40 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 52 L |
