1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2005 Skoda Octavia is newer by 47 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Skoda Octavia (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 519 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, 2005 Skoda Octavia, 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, 2005 Skoda Octavia (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Skoda Octavia 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 | 2005 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Austin | Skoda |
| Model | A 40 | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 55 L |
