1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Samurai 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (62 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 80 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.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1954 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 Suzuki Samurai (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 Suzuki Samurai 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 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Austin | Suzuki |
| Model | A 40 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2490 mm |
