1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1974 Mercury Comet is newer by 21 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 3,272 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Comet (83 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Comet weights approximately 188 kg more than 1953 Austin A 40. 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, 1974 Mercury Comet (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 1974 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | A 40 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2630 mm |
