1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1970 Subaru FF-1
To start off, 1970 Subaru FF-1 is newer by 16 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 1,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Subaru FF-1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Subaru FF-1 (80 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Subaru FF-1 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 40 weights approximately 304 kg more than 1970 Subaru FF-1.
Because 1954 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 1954 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Subaru FF-1, 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, 1970 Subaru FF-1 (99 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1970 Subaru FF-1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1970 Subaru FF-1 | |
| Make | Austin | Subaru |
| Model | A 40 | FF-1 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 60 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 726 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2430 mm |
