1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 55 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1100 kg more than 1949 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 90 L |
