1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 59 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 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Astra (99 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Astra weights approximately 465 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, 2008 Opel Astra, 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, 2008 Opel Astra (260 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Astra 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 | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 52 L |
