1960 Austin A 40 vs. 1987 TVR 420
To start off, 1987 TVR 420 is newer by 27 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 4,225 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 TVR 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 TVR 420 (300 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 TVR 420 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 TVR 420 weights approximately 410 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, 1987 TVR 420 (393 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 TVR 420 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 | 1987 TVR 420 | |
| Make | Austin | TVR |
| Model | A 40 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 4225 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 59 L |
