1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Volvo 740
To start off, 1989 Volvo 740 is newer by 27 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 740 (116 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 740 weights approximately 500 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, 1989 Volvo 740 (194 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Volvo 740 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 | 1989 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Austin | Volvo |
| Model | A 40 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2780 mm |
