1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Vauxhall Signum
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Signum is newer by 51 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Vauxhall Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Vauxhall Signum (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Vauxhall Signum should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vauxhall Signum weights approximately 443 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, 2003 Vauxhall Signum, 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, 2003 Vauxhall Signum (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Vauxhall Signum 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 | 2003 Vauxhall Signum | |
| Make | Austin | Vauxhall |
| Model | A 40 | Signum |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2840 mm |
