1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1986 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1986 Holden Commodore is newer by 35 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Holden Commodore (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Holden Commodore weights approximately 245 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, 1986 Holden Commodore (296 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Holden Commodore 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 | 1986 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Austin | Holden |
| Model | A 40 | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
