1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Buick Century
To start off, 1999 Buick Century is newer by 40 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 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick Century weights approximately 760 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 1959 Austin A 40 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 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Buick Century, 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, 1999 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 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 | 1999 Buick Century | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A 40 | Century |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 3134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 64 L |
