1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1957 Volvo 120
To start off, 1957 Volvo 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Volvo 120 (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Volvo 120 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1951 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, 1957 Volvo 120 (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1957 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 1957 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2610 mm |
