1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 59 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1341 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 40 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1950 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 49 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 84 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 127 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 2307 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |