1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1974 Volvo 343 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 343 weights approximately 183 kg more than 1962 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Volvo 343 (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin A 40 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
