1957 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 185 kg more than 1957 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A 40. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1957 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1957 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A 40 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 40 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 69 L |
