1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1994 Volvo 850
To start off, 1994 Volvo 850 is newer by 45 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 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 850 (124 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 850 weights approximately 422 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, 1994 Volvo 850, 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, 1994 Volvo 850 (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1994 Volvo 850 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 | 1994 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
