1949 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Polo (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Austin A 40 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
Because 1949 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 1949 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
1949 Austin A 40 | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 40 | Polo |
Year Released | 1949 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1041 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 38 HP | 44 HP |
Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 80 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 770 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3660 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2340 mm |