1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1972 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1972 Opel Rekord is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Opel Rekord (66 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Opel Rekord weights approximately 99 kg more than 1950 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Opel Rekord (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1972 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2680 mm |
