1956 Austin A 35 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 35. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 35 would be higher. At 2,434 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 35. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 35. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S40 weights approximately 651 kg more than 1956 Austin A 35. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Austin A 35 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 35. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40, 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 35. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 35. 2006 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1956 Austin A 35 has manual transmission. 1956 Austin A 35 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 35 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 35 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 946 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 749 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 62 L |
