1951 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 61 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 410 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
