1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Chevrolet Vega
To start off, 1973 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 12 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 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 245 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, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Vega 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 | 1973 Chevrolet Vega | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | A 40 | Vega |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 42 L |
