1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2013 Honda Civic
To start off, 2013 Honda Civic is newer by 57 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 1,497 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Honda Civic weights approximately 264 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, 2013 Honda Civic, 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, 2013 Honda Civic (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Honda Civic 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 | 2013 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1294 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1752 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
