1948 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 254 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 T5, 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 T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 T5 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
