1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 25 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (53 HP) has 12 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (41 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 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 67 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131.
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, 1978 Fiat 131 (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 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 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2500 mm |
