1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 51 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 590 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 1999 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1948 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (316 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
