1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1971 Honda Z
To start off, 1971 Honda Z 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Austin A 40 (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1971 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1971 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Honda Z, 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, 1956 Austin A 40 (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1956 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1971 Honda Z | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Z |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 355 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 57.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2010 mm |
