1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1975 Fiat 131
To start off, 1975 Fiat 131 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Fiat 131 (53 HP) has 19 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Fiat 131 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1959 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, 1975 Fiat 131 (94 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1975 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 40 | 1975 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2500 mm |
