1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 53 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 35 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, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 2009 Mazda 3 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. 2009 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
