1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 39 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 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1950 Austin A 40 (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1950 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1950 Austin A 40 weights approximately 126 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1950 Austin A 40 (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (76 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1950 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Austin A 40 | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
