1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 1978 Ford Escort 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Escort (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Escort 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 155 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort.
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, 1955 Austin A 40 (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1955 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
