1950 Austin A 40 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 44 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), 1994 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 240 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, 1994 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, 1994 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1994 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 | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1950 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.4 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 | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
