1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2004 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 45 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Saab 03-Sep (207 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 930 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, 2004 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2004 Saab 03-Sep (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Saab 03-Sep 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 | 2004 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Austin | Saab |
| Model | A 40 | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 61 L |
