1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 64 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 2,000 cc, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (113 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 802 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1772 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2919 mm |
