1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1961 Volvo 120
To start off, 1961 Volvo 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Volvo 120 (59 HP) has 18 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 40 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1961 Volvo 120.
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, 1961 Volvo 120 (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1961 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 1961 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
