1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 60 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 2,434 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 562 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, 2008 Volvo S80, 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 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 | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
