1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1965 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1965 Riley Kestrel is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Riley Kestrel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Riley Kestrel (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Riley Kestrel should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Riley Kestrel weights approximately 125 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1965 Riley Kestrel (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1965 Riley Kestrel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1965 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Austin | Riley |
| Model | A 40 | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1965 |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2380 mm |
