1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Skoda Rapid R
To start off, 1989 Skoda Rapid R is newer by 35 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Skoda Rapid R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Skoda Rapid R (62 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Skoda Rapid R 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 1989 Skoda Rapid R.
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, 1989 Skoda Rapid R (99 Nm @ 2850 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Skoda Rapid R 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 | 1989 Skoda Rapid R | |
| Make | Austin | Skoda |
| Model | A 40 | Rapid R |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 47 L |
