1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Chevrolet Vega
To start off, 1973 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 244 kg more than 1958 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1958 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1973 Chevrolet Vega | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | A 40 | Vega |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 42 L |
