1965 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Proton 400
To start off, 1999 Proton 400 is newer by 34 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1965 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1965 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Proton 400 weights approximately 230 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, 1999 Proton 400, 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, 1999 Proton 400 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Proton 400 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 | 1999 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Austin | Proton |
| Model | A 40 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2510 mm |
