1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1960 Fiat 500
To start off, 1960 Fiat 500 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Austin A 40 (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 40 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. 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, 1954 Austin A 40 (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1954 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1960 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 1960 mm |
