1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Mazda 121
To start off, 1981 Mazda 121 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda 121 (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda 121 weights approximately 370 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 Mazda 121 (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda 121 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 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2520 mm |
