1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1970 Volvo 120
To start off, 1970 Volvo 120 is newer by 16 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volvo 120 (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volvo 120 weights approximately 4 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 | 1970 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2610 mm |
