1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 27 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta 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 230 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta 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 | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 34 L |
