1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 555 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, 2004 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, 2004 Ford Taurus (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 2004 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. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 2004 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
