1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 33 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 635 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 40 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 79 L |
