1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 29 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 700 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, 1980 Chevrolet Caprice (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice 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 | 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | A 40 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2950 mm |
