1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Austin Marina
To start off, 1978 Austin Marina is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Austin Marina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Austin Marina (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Austin Marina should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 40 weights approximately 148 kg more than 1978 Austin Marina.
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, 1978 Austin Marina (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Austin Marina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 1978 Austin Marina | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A 40 | Marina |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2440 mm |
