1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1983 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1983 Ford Tempo is newer by 22 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Tempo (51 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Tempo weights approximately 350 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.
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, 1983 Ford Tempo, 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, 1983 Ford Tempo (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Tempo 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 | 1983 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2540 mm |
