1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 21 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 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 817 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird 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 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
