1966 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Caterham C21
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 32 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1966 Austin A 40. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1966 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Austin A 40 weights approximately 112 kg more than 1998 Caterham C21.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Caterham C21 (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Austin A 40. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 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 | 1998 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | A 40 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1588 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 | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2260 mm |
