1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 1974 Volvo 244 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,125 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 244 (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 244 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 244 weights approximately 434 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Volvo 244 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 244 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 244 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
