1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 1185 kg more than 1962 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin A 40 | 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Austin | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A 40 | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 3080 mm |
