1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Volvo V40
To start off, 1996 Volvo V40 is newer by 48 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 1,870 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V40 (89 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V40 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V40 weights approximately 275 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, 1996 Volvo V40, 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, 1996 Volvo V40 (176 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo V40 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 | 1996 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | V40 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2570 mm |
