1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 41 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 121 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121 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 39 kg more than 1996 Mazda 121.
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, 1996 Mazda 121, 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, 1996 Mazda 121 (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda 121 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 | 1996 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2460 mm |
