1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1969 Fiat 500
To start off, 1969 Fiat 500 is newer by 15 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 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Austin A 40 (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 40 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1969 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 (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1954 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1969 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 14 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 24 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 37 L |
