1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Volvo V40
To start off, 1996 Volvo V40 is newer by 44 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 1,870 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V40 (89 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V40 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V40 weights approximately 255 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, 1996 Volvo V40, 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, 1996 Volvo V40 (176 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo V40 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 | 1996 Volvo V40 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | V40 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2570 mm |
