1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2007 Opel Vectra is newer by 53 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Vectra (276 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Vectra weights approximately 550 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, 2007 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, 2007 Opel Vectra (355 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 74.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
