1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Seat Leon
To start off, 2009 Seat Leon 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Seat Leon (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Seat Leon weights approximately 574 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, 2009 Seat Leon, 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, 2009 Seat Leon (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Seat Leon 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 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Austin | Seat |
| Model | A 40 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
