1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Opel Manta
To start off, 1978 Opel Manta 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Manta (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Manta should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Manta weights approximately 18 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 Opel Manta (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Manta 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 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Manta |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 50 L |
