2001 Audi A8 vs. 1951 Austin A 40
To start off, 2001 Audi A8 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 3,695 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Audi A8 (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Audi A8 weights approximately 860 kg more than 1951 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 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 1951 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Audi A8, 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, 2001 Audi A8 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2001 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A8 | 1951 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Audi | Austin |
| Model | A8 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3695 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 48 L |
