1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1978 Volvo 343 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 343 weights approximately 230 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 Volvo 343 (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 343 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 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
