1962 Austin A 40 vs. 1990 Saab 900
To start off, 1990 Saab 900 is newer by 28 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Saab 900 (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1962 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1962 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Saab 900 weights approximately 540 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.
Because 1962 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 1962 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Saab 900, 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, 1990 Saab 900 (181 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Saab 900 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 | 1990 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Austin | Saab |
| Model | A 40 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2530 mm |
