1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1980 Opel Kadett is newer by 30 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Opel Kadett (91 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A 40 weights approximately 16 kg more than 1980 Opel Kadett.
Because 1950 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 1950 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Opel Kadett, 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, 1980 Opel Kadett (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 Opel Kadett 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 | 1980 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
