1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1999 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 38 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Suzuki Samurai (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 170 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 1999 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Suzuki Samurai 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 | 1999 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Austin | Suzuki |
| Model | A 40 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2490 mm |
