1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 14 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 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Austin A 40 (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1952 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 40 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1966 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 | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
