1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1987 Ford Probe
To start off, 1987 Ford Probe is newer by 31 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 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Probe (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Probe weights approximately 220 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.
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, 1987 Ford Probe, 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, 1987 Ford Probe (262 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Probe 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 | 1987 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Probe |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 94 mm |
| 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 | 1030 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2530 mm |
