1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1966 Saab 96
To start off, 1966 Saab 96 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Saab 96 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Saab 96 (63 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Saab 96 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Saab 96 weights approximately 169 kg more than 1958 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Saab 96, 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, 1966 Saab 96 (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1966 Saab 96 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1966 Saab 96 | |
| Make | Austin | Saab |
| Model | A 40 | 96 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 58.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 38 L |
