1948 Austin 16 vs. 1999 Volvo S80
To start off, 1999 Volvo S80 is newer by 51 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volvo S80 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1948 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volvo S80 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1948 Austin 16. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Volvo S80, 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, 1999 Volvo S80 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin 16. (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1999 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin 16.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin 16 | 1999 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | 16 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
