1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (108 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A 40 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
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 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, 1973 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| 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 | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
