2008 Audi A4 vs. 1956 Austin A 40
To start off, 2008 Audi A4 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A4 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A4 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1956 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A4, 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, 2008 Audi A4 (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A4 | 1956 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Audi | Austin |
| Model | A4 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
