1954 Austin A 30 vs. 1987 Volvo 740
To start off, 1987 Volvo 740 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Volvo 740 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Volvo 740 weights approximately 652 kg more than 1954 Austin A 30. 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, 1987 Volvo 740 (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1987 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 30 | 1987 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 30 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2780 mm |
