1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 57 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 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V50 weights approximately 468 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, 2005 Volvo V50, 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V50 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 | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
