1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Volvo 145
To start off, 1973 Volvo 145 is newer by 23 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 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volvo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volvo 145 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volvo 145 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volvo 145 weights approximately 324 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, 1973 Volvo 145 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Volvo 145 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 | 1973 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2620 mm |
