1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist
To start off, 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist 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 1,270 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist (57 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist weights approximately 190 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, 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist, 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, 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist 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 Wartburg 1.3 l Tourist | |
| Make | Austin | Wartburg |
| Model | A 40 | 1.3 l Tourist |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2460 mm |
