1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1998 Ford Taurus 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Taurus (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40.
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 Taurus, 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 Taurus (264 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 1998 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1956 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1956 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1998 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
