1951 Austin A 70 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 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 70. (66 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 230 kg more than 1951 Austin A 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A 70 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 70. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 70. (157 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 70 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 70 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 62 L |
