1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1984 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1984 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Vauxhall Astra (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin A 40 weights approximately 192 kg more than 1984 Vauxhall Astra.
Because 1953 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 1953 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Vauxhall Astra, 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, 1984 Vauxhall Astra (89 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1984 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 1984 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Vauxhall |
| Model | A 40 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
