1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Vauxhall Nova
To start off, 1982 Vauxhall Nova 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 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Vauxhall Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Vauxhall Nova (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Vauxhall Nova should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 40 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1982 Vauxhall Nova.
Because 1961 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Vauxhall Nova, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Vauxhall Nova (92 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Vauxhall Nova 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 Vauxhall Nova | |
| Make | Austin | Vauxhall |
| Model | A 40 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2350 mm |
