1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1984 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1984 Plymouth Horizon is newer by 26 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 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Plymouth Horizon (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Plymouth Horizon should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Plymouth Horizon weights approximately 219 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, 1984 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 1984 Plymouth Horizon (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1984 Plymouth Horizon 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 | 1984 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Austin | Plymouth |
| Model | A 40 | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2530 mm |
