1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1979 Mercury Cougar is newer by 17 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercury Cougar (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1095 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar 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 | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | A 40 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2910 mm |
