1948 Austin 16 vs. 1980 Saab 900
To start off, 1980 Saab 900 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Saab 900 (108 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1948 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin 16 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1980 Saab 900.
Because 1948 Austin 16 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 1948 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Saab 900, 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, 1980 Saab 900 (164 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin 16. (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1980 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin 16.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin 16 | 1980 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Austin | Saab |
| Model | 16 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2530 mm |
