1955 Buick 40 vs. 1985 TVR 390
To start off, 1985 TVR 390 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,277 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 TVR 390 (275 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1955 Buick 40. (234 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 TVR 390 should accelerate faster than 1955 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Buick 40 weights approximately 618 kg more than 1985 TVR 390.
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, 1955 Buick 40 (447 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 TVR 390. (367 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 TVR 390.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Buick 40 | 1985 TVR 390 | |
| Make | Buick | TVR |
| Model | 40 | 390 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5277 cc | 3905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 234 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1107 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2390 mm |
