1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1971 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1971 Opel Kadett is newer by 17 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Opel Kadett (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 40 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1971 Opel Kadett.
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, 1971 Opel Kadett (88 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Opel Kadett 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 | 1971 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 40 L |
