1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 56 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (322 HP @ 6450 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 732 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Cadillac XLR (423 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR 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 | 2009 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Austin | Cadillac |
| Model | A 40 | XLR |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 322 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6450 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 423 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 68 L |
