1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 28 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 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40.
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, 1989 Pontiac Firebird (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1989 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 40 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
