1956 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 49 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), 2005 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Astra (96 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Astra weights approximately 350 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, 2005 Opel 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, 2005 Opel Astra (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Opel 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 | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2005 |
| 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 | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 52 L |
