1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 36 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 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 164 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.
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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am 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 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 40 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2630 mm |
