1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Volvo S70
To start off, 1997 Volvo S70 is newer by 46 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volvo S70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S70 (162 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S70 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo S70 weights approximately 385 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, 1997 Volvo S70, 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, 1997 Volvo S70 (221 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S70 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 | 1997 Volvo S70 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | S70 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 68 L |
