1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Cadillac Eldorado
To start off, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado is newer by 30 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 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado (118 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 1260 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, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1979 Cadillac Eldorado (298 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1979 Cadillac Eldorado 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 | 1979 Cadillac Eldorado | |
| Make | Austin | Cadillac |
| Model | A 40 | Eldorado |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2900 mm |
