1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 45 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 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 570 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
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, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 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 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | A 40 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2230 mm |
