1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 58 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Forte weights approximately 208 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, 2012 Kia Forte, 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, 2012 Kia Forte (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte 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 | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Austin | Kia |
| Model | A 40 | Forte |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 52 L |
