1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 29 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 615 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 40 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 79 L |
