1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Spark
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Spark is newer by 55 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Spark (66 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Spark 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 2009 Chevrolet Spark.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Spark, 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, 2009 Chevrolet Spark (87 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Spark 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 | 2009 Chevrolet Spark | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | A 40 | Spark |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 35 L |
