1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1979 Saab 900 is newer by 27 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Saab 900 (143 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Saab 900 weights approximately 250 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.
Because 1952 Austin A 40 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 1952 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900, 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, 1979 Saab 900 (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Saab 900 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 | 1979 Saab 900 | |
Make | Austin | Saab |
Model | A 40 | 900 |
Year Released | 1952 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1985 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 41 HP | 143 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 79 Nm | 236 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1250 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4750 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2530 mm |