1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 NSU 1000
To start off, 1974 NSU 1000 is newer by 16 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 994 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 NSU 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 NSU 1000 (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 NSU 1000 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin A 40 weights approximately 101 kg more than 1974 NSU 1000.
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, 1974 NSU 1000 (70 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 NSU 1000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1974 NSU 1000 | |
| Make | Austin | NSU |
| Model | A 40 | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2260 mm |
