1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Daihatsu Taft
To start off, 1978 Daihatsu Taft is newer by 16 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 958 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Taft is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Daihatsu Taft (44 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Taft should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Taft weights approximately 260 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.
Because 1978 Daihatsu Taft is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Taft will offer significantly more control. 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, 1962 Austin A 40 (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. (63 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1962 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Taft.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin A 40 | 1978 Daihatsu Taft | |
| Make | Austin | Daihatsu |
| Model | A 40 | Taft |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2030 mm |
