1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1985 Holden Statesman
To start off, 1985 Holden Statesman is newer by 29 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 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Holden Statesman (169 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Holden Statesman weights approximately 692 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, 1985 Holden Statesman (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 1985 Holden Statesman 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. 1985 Holden Statesman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1985 Holden Statesman | |
| Make | Austin | Holden |
| Model | A 40 | Statesman |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 5042 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2900 mm |
