1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen K 70 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen K 70 (75 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1950 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1950 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 1950 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1973 Volkswagen K 70 (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1973 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
