1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 43 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 475 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.
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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 40 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 58 L |
