1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2002 Ford Ka
To start off, 2002 Ford Ka is newer by 44 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Ka (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Ka weights approximately 375 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, 2002 Ford Ka, 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, 2002 Ford Ka (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Ka 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 | 2002 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 42 L |
