1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 43 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 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 376 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 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 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | A 40 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2260 mm |
