1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 23 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 160 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (102 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona 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 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Austin | Opel |
| Model | A 40 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73.4 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 | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 70 L |
