1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 25 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 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 340 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Austin A 40 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
Make | Austin | Volvo |
Model | A 40 | 240 |
Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2383 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 41 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 79 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 76.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 23.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1370 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2660 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |