1966 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Talbot 1510
To start off, 1981 Talbot 1510 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 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Talbot 1510 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Talbot 1510 (63 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1966 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Talbot 1510 should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Talbot 1510 weights approximately 288 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 Talbot 1510, 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 Talbot 1510 (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Talbot 1510 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 Talbot 1510 | |
| Make | Austin | Talbot |
| Model | A 40 | 1510 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2610 mm |
