1965 Austin A 40 vs. 1983 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1983 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Fiat Ritmo (129 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1965 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 190 kg more than 1965 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Fiat Ritmo, 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, 1983 Fiat Ritmo (180 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin A 40 | 1983 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2460 mm |
