1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 30 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 20 kg more than 1951 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 40 | Santana |
Year Released | 1951 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 38 HP | 75 HP |
Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 80 Nm | 125 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |