1965 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Ford Probe
To start off, 1997 Ford Probe is newer by 32 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Probe (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1965 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Probe weights approximately 470 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, 1997 Ford Probe, 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, 1997 Ford Probe (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Probe 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 | 1997 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Probe |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
