1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Saturn SL
To start off, 1998 Saturn SL is newer by 43 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 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Saturn SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Saturn SL (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Saturn SL should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Saturn SL weights approximately 25 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.
Because 1955 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 1955 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Saturn SL, 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, 1998 Saturn SL (159 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Saturn SL 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 | 1998 Saturn SL | |
| Make | Austin | Saturn |
| Model | A 40 | SL |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
