1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Lada 2104
To start off, 1989 Lada 2104 is newer by 31 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 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lada 2104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lada 2104 (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lada 2104 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lada 2104 weights approximately 249 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, 1989 Lada 2104 (94 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Lada 2104 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 | 1989 Lada 2104 | |
| Make | Austin | Lada |
| Model | A 40 | 2104 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2430 mm |
