1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1960 Fiat 500
To start off, 1961 Austin A 40 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin A 40 (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 40 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. 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, 1961 Austin A 40 (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1961 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1960 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 1960 mm |
