1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1990 Honda Civic
To start off, 1990 Honda Civic is newer by 34 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda Civic (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Civic 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 4 kg more than 1990 Honda Civic.
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, 1990 Honda Civic, 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, 1990 Honda Civic (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Honda Civic 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 | 1990 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
