1951 Austin A vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 235 kg more than 1951 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A 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. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A | Passat |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2480 mm |
