1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 49 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 504 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, 2007 Opel Astra, 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, 2007 Opel Astra (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 2007 Opel Astra 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. 2007 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 52 L |
