1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1980 GMC Suburban is newer by 21 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 GMC Suburban (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1470 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.
Because 1980 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1980 GMC Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 GMC Suburban 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 | 1980 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Austin | GMC |
| Model | A 40 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 3300 mm |
