1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Honda Civic
To start off, 1978 Honda Civic is newer by 17 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 1,169 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Honda Civic (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 40 weights approximately 82 kg more than 1978 Honda Civic.
Because 1961 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Honda Civic (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Honda Civic 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 | 1978 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 678 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2210 mm |
