1951 Austin A 70 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1951 Austin A 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 480 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 70. (66 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin A 70 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480.
Because 1951 Austin A 70 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 70. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480, 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, 1988 Volvo 480 (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 70. (157 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 70 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 70 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 58 L |
