1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra is newer by 58 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Opel Astra (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Opel Astra weights approximately 403 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, 2011 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, 2011 Opel Astra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 52 L |
