1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 60 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. Both 1951 Austin A 40 and 2011 Volkswagen Polo are equipped with a 1,200 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 160 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2470 mm |
