1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1978 Honda Prelude 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 1,750 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Honda Prelude (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Honda Prelude 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 100 kg more than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Because 1953 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1953 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Prelude, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Honda Prelude (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Honda Prelude 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 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 50 L |
