1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 240 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.
Because 1959 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 1959 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta, 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | A 40 | Beta |
| 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 | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 49 L |
