2001 Audi A3 vs. 1960 Austin A 40
To start off, 2001 Audi A3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Audi A3 (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Audi A3 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1960 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Audi A3, 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, 2001 Audi A3 (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A3 | 1960 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Audi | Austin |
| Model | A3 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 62.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2130 mm |
