1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2008 Cadillac XLR is newer by 53 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 4,566 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 279 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 605 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, 2008 Cadillac XLR (421 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40. 2008 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 2008 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Austin | Cadillac |
| Model | A 40 | XLR |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 4566 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
