1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 26 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 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona.
Because 1956 Austin A 40 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 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 1982 Opel Ascona 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. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
