1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Kia Optima
To start off, 2004 Kia Optima is newer by 55 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Kia Optima (137 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Optima weights approximately 518 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, 2004 Kia Optima, 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, 2004 Kia Optima (199 Nm) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm). This means 2004 Kia Optima 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 | 2004 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Austin | Kia |
| Model | A 40 | Optima |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 65 L |
