1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 51 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 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1947 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 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender 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 | 2009 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Austin | Land Rover |
| Model | A 40 | Defender |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 60 L |
