1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2006 Honda Civic
To start off, 2006 Honda Civic is newer by 47 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 1,999 cc, 2006 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Civic (198 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Civic weights approximately 545 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, 2006 Honda Civic, 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, 2006 Honda Civic (188 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Civic 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 | 2006 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1999 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 50 L |
