1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Buick Signia
To start off, 1998 Buick Signia is newer by 42 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Signia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Signia (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Signia weights approximately 710 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, 1998 Buick Signia, 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, 1998 Buick Signia (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Signia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40. 1998 Buick Signia 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. 1998 Buick Signia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1998 Buick Signia | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 40 | Signia |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2860 mm |
