1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 1998 Nissan Sentra is newer by 39 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan Sentra (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 200 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, 1998 Nissan Sentra, 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, 1998 Nissan Sentra (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan Sentra 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 | 1998 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | A 40 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2440 mm |
