1960 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1981 Volvo 343 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 343 (117 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 40.
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, 1981 Volvo 343 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin A 40 | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
