1966 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1981 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1966 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 178 kg more than 1966 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Austin A 40 | 1981 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | A 40 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 50 L |
