1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1985 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1985 Nissan Santana is newer by 30 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Nissan Santana (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Santana should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan Santana weights approximately 44 kg more than 1955 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Nissan Santana, 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, 1985 Nissan Santana (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Nissan Santana 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 | 1985 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | A 40 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1985 |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2560 mm |
