1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Chevrolet HHR
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet HHR is newer by 49 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet HHR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet HHR (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet HHR should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet HHR weights approximately 1440 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, 2008 Chevrolet HHR, 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, 2008 Chevrolet HHR (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet HHR 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 | 2008 Chevrolet HHR | |
| Make | Austin | Chevrolet |
| Model | A 40 | HHR |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 61 L |
