1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 Saleen S7
To start off, 2005 Saleen S7 is newer by 51 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 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Saleen S7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saleen S7 (750 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 709 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saleen S7 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saleen S7 weights approximately 217 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, 2005 Saleen S7 (949 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 865 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 Saleen S7 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 | 2005 Saleen S7 | |
| Make | Austin | Saleen |
| Model | A 40 | S7 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 750 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 949 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1981 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1041 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2692 mm |
