1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1973 Opel Kadett is newer by 24 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 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Opel Kadett (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin A 40 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1973 Opel Kadett.
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, both vehicles can yield 80 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 43 L |
