1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 63 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 466 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
