1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1978 Plymouth Horizon 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Plymouth Horizon (75 HP) has 26 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Horizon should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Horizon weights approximately 10 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.
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 Plymouth Horizon, 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 Plymouth Horizon (122 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Plymouth Horizon 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 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Austin | Plymouth |
| Model | A 40 | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2530 mm |
