1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 525 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 1962 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1962 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Lancia Thema (320 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema 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 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | A 40 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2670 mm |
