1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica
To start off, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 3,967 cc (12 cylinders), 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 294 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica weights approximately 560 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica | |
| Make | Austin | Ferrari |
| Model | A 40 | 400 Superamerica |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 119 L |
