1956 Austin A 30 vs. 1990 Volvo 440
To start off, 1990 Volvo 440 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 440 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 440 weights approximately 352 kg more than 1956 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Austin A 30 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 1956 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 440, 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, 1990 Volvo 440 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1990 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 30 | 1990 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 30 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
