1949 Austin 16 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 58 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1949 Austin 16. (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin 16. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin 16 weights approximately 142 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Polo.
Because 1949 Austin 16 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 1949 Austin 16. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1949 Austin 16 (147 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Polo. (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1949 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin 16 | 2007 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | 16 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 121 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1138 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
