1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Opel Manta
To start off, 1978 Opel Manta is newer by 22 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 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Manta (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Manta should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Manta weights approximately 20 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, 1978 Opel Manta (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Manta 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 | 1978 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Manta |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
