1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Seat 131
To start off, 1974 Seat 131 is newer by 20 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 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Seat 131 (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Seat 131 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 55 kg more than 1974 Seat 131.
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, 1974 Seat 131 (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Seat 131 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 | 1974 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Austin | Seat |
| Model | A 40 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2500 mm |
