1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 47 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Vauxhall Astra (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 320 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, 2003 Vauxhall Astra, 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, 2003 Vauxhall Astra (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Vauxhall Astra 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 | 2003 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Vauxhall |
| Model | A 40 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2620 mm |
