1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 20 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 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 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 87 kg more than 1974 Volvo 343.
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, 1974 Volvo 343 (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 343 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 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 45 L |
