1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 98
To start off, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 98 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 98 weights approximately 758 kg more than 1949 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 1955 Oldsmobile 98 | |
| Make | Austin | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A 40 | 98 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 5320 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1728 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3210 mm |
