1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 1998 Volvo S80 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 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo S80 (178 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 534 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 Volvo S80, 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 Volvo S80 (240 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo S80 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 | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 80 L |
