1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1999 Opel Vectra is newer by 45 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Vectra (81 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Vectra weights approximately 370 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, 1999 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, 1999 Opel Vectra (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2650 mm |
