1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1988 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 34 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 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Daihatsu Charmant (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Daihatsu Charmant 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 180 kg more than 1988 Daihatsu Charmant.
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, 1988 Daihatsu Charmant (98 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 Daihatsu Charmant 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 | 1988 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Austin | Daihatsu |
| Model | A 40 | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
