1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Lada 1200
To start off, 1974 Lada 1200 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 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lada 1200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lada 1200 (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada 1200 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lada 1200 weights approximately 236 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, 1974 Lada 1200 (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Lada 1200 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 | 1974 Lada 1200 | |
| Make | Austin | Lada |
| Model | A 40 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 61 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 46 L |
