1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta 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 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta 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 1981 Lancia Beta.
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, 1981 Lancia Beta, 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, 1981 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Austin | Lancia |
Model | A 40 | Beta |
Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 49 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 100 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1000 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2360 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 49 L |