1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1982 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 24 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 1,116 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Fiat Ritmo (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 79 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 1958 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 1958 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Fiat Ritmo, 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, 1982 Fiat Ritmo (86 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Fiat Ritmo 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 | 1982 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1116 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2460 mm |
