1959 Austin A 135 vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 135. (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 135. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 135 weights approximately 655 kg more than 2004 Volvo S40.
Because 1959 Austin A 135 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 1959 Austin A 135. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40, 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, 2004 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 135. (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 135. 2004 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1959 Austin A 135 has manual transmission. 1959 Austin A 135 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 135 | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 135 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 68 L |
