1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1998 Mercury Mystique is newer by 36 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Mystique (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 482 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, 1998 Mercury Mystique, 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, 1998 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Mystique 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 | 1998 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | A 40 | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2710 mm |
