1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1997 Dodge Viper is newer by 39 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 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (415 HP) has 380 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Viper weights approximately 745 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, 1997 Dodge Viper (664 Nm) has 596 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm). This means 1997 Dodge Viper 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 | 1997 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | Austin | Dodge |
| Model | A 40 | Viper |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 7986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 415 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 664 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 68 L |
