1949 Austin A 90 vs. 1975 Volvo 260
To start off, 1975 Volvo 260 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin A 90 weights approximately 9 kg more than 1975 Volvo 260.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1975 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 90. (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1975 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 90. 1975 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1949 Austin A 90 has manual transmission. 1949 Austin A 90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 90 | 1975 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 90 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
