1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1971 Buick Riviera is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 990 kg more than 1956 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 517 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1956 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1956 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 40 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3110 mm |
