1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Lada 1600
To start off, 1978 Lada 1600 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 1,568 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lada 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lada 1600 (78 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lada 1600 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lada 1600 weights approximately 270 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, 1978 Lada 1600 (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Lada 1600 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 Lada 1600 | |
| Make | Austin | Lada |
| Model | A 40 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 39 L |
