1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2008 Opel Vectra is newer by 57 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Vectra (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Vectra weights approximately 440 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, 2008 Opel Vectra, 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, 2008 Opel Vectra (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Vectra 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 | 2008 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 61 L |
