1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 60 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 261 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 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 90 L |
