1960 Austin A 40 vs. 1972 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1972 Opel Rekord is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Opel Rekord (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Opel Rekord weights approximately 305 kg more than 1960 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, 1972 Opel Rekord (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin A 40 | 1972 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2680 mm |
