1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2007 Skoda Octavia is newer by 48 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 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Skoda Octavia (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 545 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, 2007 Skoda Octavia, 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, 2007 Skoda Octavia (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 Skoda Octavia 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 | 2007 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Austin | Skoda |
| Model | A 40 | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 55 L |
