1956 Austin A 30 vs. 2003 Proton 400
To start off, 2003 Proton 400 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Proton 400 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1956 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Austin A 30 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 1956 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Proton 400, 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, 2003 Proton 400 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 Proton 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 30 | 2003 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Austin | Proton |
| Model | A 30 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2510 mm |
