1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Buick Electra
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 39 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 605 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, 1988 Buick Electra, 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra 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 | 1988 Buick Electra | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 40 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2820 mm |
