1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1987 Saab 900
To start off, 1987 Saab 900 is newer by 36 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Saab 900 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Saab 900 weights approximately 315 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.
Because 1951 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 1951 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Saab 900, 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, 1987 Saab 900 (273 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1987 Saab 900 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 | 1987 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Austin | Saab |
| Model | A 40 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 63 L |
