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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) 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. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 190 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 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 | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2500 mm |
