1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 61 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 348 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (241 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
