1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Daihatsu Charmant
To start off, 1981 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 20 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 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Daihatsu Charmant (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 70 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, 1981 Daihatsu Charmant (103 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Daihatsu Charmant 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 | 1981 Daihatsu Charmant | |
| Make | Austin | Daihatsu |
| Model | A 40 | Charmant |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2340 mm |
