1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1981 Nissan Laurel 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 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (123 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 485 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 Nissan Laurel (222 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | A 40 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
