1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 55 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 1,248 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 360 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, 2006 Opel Astra, 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, 2006 Opel Astra (201 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra 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 | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 52 L |
