1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1991 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1991 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 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), 1991 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 94 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, 1991 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, 1991 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1991 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
