1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1971 Austin Maxi
To start off, 1971 Austin Maxi is newer by 15 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 1,483 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin Maxi (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1971 Austin Maxi.
Because 1956 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 1956 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Austin Maxi, 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, 1971 Austin Maxi (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Austin Maxi 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 | 1971 Austin Maxi | |
| Make | Austin | Austin |
| Model | A 40 | Maxi |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1483 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
