1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1984 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1984 Reliant SE6 is newer by 28 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant SE6 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant SE6 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 200 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, 1984 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant SE6 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 | 1984 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A 40 | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2650 mm |
