1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Proton 300
To start off, 1997 Proton 300 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Proton 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Proton 300 (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Proton 300 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Proton 300 weights approximately 5 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 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, 1997 Proton 300, 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, 1997 Proton 300 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Proton 300 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 Proton 300 | |
| Make | Austin | Proton |
| Model | A 40 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2450 mm |
