1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1952 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (39 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 40 weights approximately 152 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 1956 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 42 L |
