1951 Austin A vs. 2006 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2006 Skoda Octavia is newer by 55 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Skoda Octavia (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 620 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, 2006 Skoda Octavia, 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, 2006 Skoda Octavia (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 2006 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Austin | Skoda |
| Model | A | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 95 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
