1962 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Donkervoort D8
To start off, 2003 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 41 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Donkervoort D8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Donkervoort D8 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Austin A 40 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2003 Donkervoort D8.
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, 2003 Donkervoort D8 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Donkervoort D8 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 | 2003 Donkervoort D8 | |
| Make | Austin | Donkervoort |
| Model | A 40 | D8 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2310 mm |
