1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1976 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 18 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 2,007 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (64 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 459 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, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (130 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler 1609 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 | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Austin | Chrysler |
| Model | A 40 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2007 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2670 mm |
