1953 Austin A 30 vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1993 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volvo 850 (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 850 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1953 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Austin A 30 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 1953 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850, 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, 1993 Volvo 850 (176 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 30 | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 30 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2670 mm |
