1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Saturn SL
To start off, 1996 Saturn SL is newer by 38 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 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Saturn SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Saturn SL (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Saturn SL should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Saturn SL weights approximately 295 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, 1996 Saturn SL, 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, 1996 Saturn SL (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Saturn SL 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 | 1996 Saturn SL | |
| Make | Austin | Saturn |
| Model | A 40 | SL |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
