1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 746 kg more than 1948 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 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 1948 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 1996 Volkswagen Sharan (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 1996 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
