1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 19 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 1,256 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette weights approximately 95 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, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Austin | Vauxhall |
| Model | A 40 | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
