1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 50 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Altima weights approximately 638 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, 2011 Nissan Altima, 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, 2011 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Altima 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 | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Austin | Nissan |
| Model | A 40 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
