1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 Volvo S80
To start off, 2007 Volvo S80 is newer by 56 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S80 (197 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S80 weights approximately 583 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, 2007 Volvo S80, 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, 2007 Volvo S80 (300 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S80 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 | 2007 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1553 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
