1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1992 Volvo 480
To start off, 1992 Volvo 480 is newer by 43 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Volvo 480 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Volvo 480 weights approximately 32 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, 1992 Volvo 480, 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, 1992 Volvo 480 (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1992 Volvo 480 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 | 1992 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
