1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1995 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1995 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 37 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin A 40 weights approximately 207 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham Super 7 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 | 1995 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | A 40 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1100 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 30 L |
