1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 53 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 116 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, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 45 L |
