1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Honda NSX
To start off, 1997 Honda NSX is newer by 38 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 738 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, 1997 Honda NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda NSX 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 | 1997 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | NSX |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
