1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 48 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 925 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.
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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic 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 | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 50 L |
