1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 57 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 380 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 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1951 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
