1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2004 Fiat Panda is newer by 48 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Fiat Panda (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda 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 170 kg more than 2004 Fiat Panda.
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, 2004 Fiat Panda, 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, 2004 Fiat Panda (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Fiat Panda 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 | 2004 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1106 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 35 L |
