1951 Austin A vs. 2002 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 51 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 622 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, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A. 2002 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1951 Austin A has manual transmission. 1951 Austin A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 2002 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A | Passat |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
