1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2000 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 2000 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 39 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 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 300 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, 2000 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 2000 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2000 Fiat Barchetta 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 | 2000 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2280 mm |
