1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2004 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 50 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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Vauxhall Astra (79 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 305 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, 2004 Vauxhall Astra, 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, 2004 Vauxhall Astra (173 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Vauxhall Astra 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 | 2004 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Vauxhall |
| Model | A 40 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2620 mm |
