1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Buick GS
To start off, 1974 Buick GS is newer by 16 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 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick GS weights approximately 869 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, 1974 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Buick GS 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 | 1974 Buick GS | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 40 | GS |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 5724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 394 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2860 mm |
