1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 21 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 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 854 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.
Because 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster (238 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 | 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Austin | Plymouth |
| Model | A 40 | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2700 mm |
