1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is newer by 22 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 973 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 | 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Austin | Oldsmobile |
| Model | A 40 | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3080 mm |
