1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1983 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1983 Honda Ballade is newer by 29 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 1,335 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Honda Ballade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Honda Ballade (67 HP) has 26 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Honda Ballade 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 245 kg more than 1983 Honda Ballade.
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, 1983 Honda Ballade, 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, 1983 Honda Ballade (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1983 Honda Ballade 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 | 1983 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2330 mm |
