1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2002 Proton 400
To start off, 2002 Proton 400 is newer by 49 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Proton 400 weights approximately 6 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, 2002 Proton 400, 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, 2002 Proton 400 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Proton 400 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 | 2002 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Austin | Proton |
| Model | A 40 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2510 mm |
