1947 Austin 16 vs. 1973 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen K 70 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1947 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1947 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1947 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen K 70 (75 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1947 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1947 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1947 Austin 16 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen K 70.
Because 1947 Austin 16 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 1947 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1947 Austin 16 (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1947 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1947 Austin 16 | 1973 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | 16 | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1947 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 121 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
