1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volkswagen Passat (75 HP) has 37 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin A 40 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1951 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 1951 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1975 Volkswagen Passat (114 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1975 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 1975 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
