1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1977 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1977 Triumph Spitfire is newer by 16 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 1,492 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Triumph Spitfire (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 55 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, 1977 Triumph Spitfire (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Triumph Spitfire 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 | 1977 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Austin | Triumph |
| Model | A 40 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 33 L |
