1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Lada 1200
To start off, 1974 Lada 1200 is newer by 18 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, 1974 Lada 1200 (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada 1200 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 34 kg more than 1974 Lada 1200.
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, 1974 Lada 1200 (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Lada 1200 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 | 1974 Lada 1200 | |
| Make | Austin | Lada |
| Model | A 40 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 61 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 46 L |
