1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 19 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat Ritmo (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 110 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, 1978 Fiat Ritmo, 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, 1978 Fiat Ritmo (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat Ritmo 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 | 1978 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 51 L |
