1948 Austin 16 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1948 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin 16 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo.
Because 1948 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 1948 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1948 Austin 16 (146 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1948 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. 2001 Volkswagen Polo has automatic transmission and 1948 Austin 16 has manual transmission. 1948 Austin 16 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin 16 | 2001 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | 16 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 121 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
