1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 54 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 365 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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 127 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 62 L |
