1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1956 Opel Kapitan
To start off, 1956 Opel Kapitan is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,473 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Opel Kapitan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Opel Kapitan (74 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Opel Kapitan should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Opel Kapitan weights approximately 185 kg more than 1954 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1956 Opel Kapitan | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Kapitan |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2760 mm |
