1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1991 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 30 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 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 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 250 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 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 | 1991 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | A 40 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 36 L |
