1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 26 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 846 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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 | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2880 mm |
