1951 Austin A vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A would be higher. At 2,524 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S40 weights approximately 714 kg more than 1951 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A 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. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40, 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, 2004 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A. 2004 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1951 Austin A has manual transmission. 1951 Austin A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A | S40 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 95 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 68 L |
