1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1978 Buick Century is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Century (140 HP) has 106 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 670 kg more than 1959 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Buick Century (250 Nm) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 40 | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 40 | Century |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 140 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 94.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2760 mm |
