1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Rover Vitesse
To start off, 1988 Rover Vitesse is newer by 35 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 2,675 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Rover Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Rover Vitesse (178 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Rover Vitesse should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Rover Vitesse weights approximately 437 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, 1988 Rover Vitesse, 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, 1988 Rover Vitesse (229 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Rover Vitesse 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 | 1988 Rover Vitesse | |
| Make | Austin | Rover |
| Model | A 40 | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2675 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1427 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2760 mm |
