1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 ZIL 117
To start off, 1978 ZIL 117 is newer by 24 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 6,958 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 117 (296 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 117 weights approximately 1924 kg more than 1954 Austin A 40. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1978 ZIL 117 | |
| Make | Austin | ZIL |
| Model | A 40 | 117 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 6958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 2950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3310 mm |
