1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1979 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1979 Opel Kadett is newer by 21 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Kadett (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Kadett weights approximately 209 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, 1979 Opel Kadett, 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, 1979 Opel Kadett (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Kadett 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 | 1979 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 42 L |
