1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Seat Leon
To start off, 2008 Seat Leon is newer by 56 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Seat Leon (84 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Leon weights approximately 186 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, 2008 Seat Leon, 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, 2008 Seat Leon (130 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Leon 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 | 2008 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Austin | Seat |
| Model | A 40 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
