1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 35 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Riviera (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 494 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, 1989 Buick Riviera, 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, 1989 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1989 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 40 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2760 mm |
