1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 is newer by 25 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 1,367 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat 131 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 131 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 5 kg more than 1981 Fiat 131.
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, 1981 Fiat 131 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat 131 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 | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2500 mm |
