1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1975 Saab 99
To start off, 1975 Saab 99 is newer by 26 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Saab 99 (95 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Saab 99 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Saab 99 weights approximately 175 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.
Because 1949 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 1949 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Saab 99, 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, 1975 Saab 99 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1975 Saab 99 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 | 1975 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Austin | Saab |
| Model | A 40 | 99 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
