1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1970 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1970 Opel Ascona is newer by 9 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Opel Ascona (80 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Opel Ascona weights approximately 165 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.
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, 1970 Opel Ascona (118 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1970 Opel Ascona 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 | 1970 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2450 mm |
