1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1971 Saab 99
To start off, 1971 Saab 99 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 1,709 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Saab 99 (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Saab 99 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Saab 99 weights approximately 40 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.
Because 1954 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1954 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Saab 99, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Saab 99 (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1971 Saab 99 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 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Austin | Saab |
| Model | A 40 | 99 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1709 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 54 L |
