1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 46 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 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (100 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 305 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, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3800 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 | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
