1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Opel Astra
To start off, 1999 Opel Astra is newer by 46 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 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Astra (88 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Astra weights approximately 200 kg more than 1953 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Opel 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, 1999 Opel Astra (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Opel 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 | 1999 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2620 mm |
