1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1983 Volvo 740
To start off, 1983 Volvo 740 is newer by 28 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 2,316 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volvo 740 (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volvo 740 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1955 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, 1983 Volvo 740 (260 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1983 Volvo 740 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 | 1983 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
