1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 54 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 464 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, 2007 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 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 | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 62 L |
