1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 24 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 100 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
