1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 33 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta 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 20 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (158 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
