1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1970 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 1970 Volvo P 1800 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 P 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volvo P 1800 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volvo P 1800 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volvo P 1800 weights approximately 90 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. Let's talk about torque, 1970 Volvo P 1800 (176 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1970 Volvo P 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1970 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | P 1800 |
| 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 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2460 mm |
