1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1969 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1969 Opel Rekord is newer by 11 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 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Opel Rekord (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Opel Rekord weights approximately 329 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1969 Opel Rekord (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1969 Opel Rekord 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 | 1969 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
