1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1979 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 18 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 1,811 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Chrysler 1609 (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 340 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, 1979 Chrysler 1609 (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Chrysler 1609 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 | 1979 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Austin | Chrysler |
| Model | A 40 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1811 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2670 mm |
