1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Volvo 440
To start off, 1989 Volvo 440 is newer by 41 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 440 (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 440 weights approximately 55 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.
Because 1948 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 1948 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 440, 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, 1989 Volvo 440 (132 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1989 Volvo 440 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 | 1989 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 48 L |
