1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Mini One
To start off, 2003 Mini One is newer by 47 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 1,606 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mini One is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mini One (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mini One 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 10 kg more than 2003 Mini One.
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, 2003 Mini One, 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, 2003 Mini One (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2003 Mini One 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 | 2003 Mini One | |
| Make | Austin | Mini |
| Model | A 40 | One |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| 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 | 1050 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 50 L |
