1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 45 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 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 730 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, 1996 Buick Riviera, 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera 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 | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 40 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 75 L |
