1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 54 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 1,948 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40.
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, 2006 Volvo S40, 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 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 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2570 mm |
