1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 32 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 90 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
