1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Buick Century
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 45 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 520 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, 1997 Buick Century, 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century 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 | 1997 Buick Century | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 40 | Century |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2780 mm |
