1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1968 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1968 Opel Rekord is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Rekord (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Opel Rekord weights approximately 53 kg more than 1952 Austin A 40. 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, 1968 Opel Rekord (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1968 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 1968 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
