1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 42 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 212 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, 1998 Ford Contour, 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour 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 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
