1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 43 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 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 646 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar 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 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | A 40 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 58 L |
