1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1988 Opel Vectra is newer by 34 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 1,699 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Opel Vectra (56 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Opel Vectra weights approximately 52 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, 1988 Opel Vectra, 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, 1988 Opel Vectra (104 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 Opel Vectra 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 | 1988 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2600 mm |
