1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Fiat 500
To start off, 1974 Fiat 500 is newer by 13 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 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin A 40 (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 40 weights approximately 244 kg more than 1974 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 @ 2500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1961 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1974 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 22 L |
