1952 Austin A 30 vs. 1976 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1976 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 30. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 940 kg more than 1952 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1976 Ford Thunderbird (317 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 30. 1976 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1952 Austin A 30 has manual transmission. 1952 Austin A 30 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 30 | 1976 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 30 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 317 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2760 mm |
