1962 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 47 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 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 407 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, 2009 Honda Civic, 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, 2009 Honda Civic (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic 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 | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Austin | Honda |
| Model | A 40 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1167 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
