1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Matra-Simca Murena
To start off, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena is newer by 26 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 2,154 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Matra-Simca Murena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena (91 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena 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 35 kg more than 1981 Matra-Simca Murena.
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, 1981 Matra-Simca Murena (136 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Matra-Simca Murena 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 | 1981 Matra-Simca Murena | |
| Make | Austin | Matra-Simca |
| Model | A 40 | Murena |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2154 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2440 mm |
