1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1998 Honda Prelude is newer by 45 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Prelude (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Prelude weights approximately 250 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, 1998 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, 1998 Honda Prelude (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88 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 | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2590 mm |
