1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 61 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Impala (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 623 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, 2012 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Impala (355 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Impala 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 | 2012 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | A 40 | Impala |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2807 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 64 L |
