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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (119 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 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 288 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 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 97 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 | Middle |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 59 L |
