1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Volvo C70
To start off, 1997 Volvo C70 is newer by 41 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volvo C70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo C70 (191 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo C70 weights approximately 330 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.
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, 1997 Volvo C70, 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, 1997 Volvo C70 (270 Nm) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm). This means 1997 Volvo C70 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 | 1997 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | C70 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
