1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1971 Buick Riviera is newer by 13 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 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1279 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 549 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1958 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 40 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 3110 mm |
