1950 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 62 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1950 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1950 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 484 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
