1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1968 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 16 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 1,583 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 12 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Volkswagen 1600 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 25 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen 1600.
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, 1968 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1968 Volkswagen 1600 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 | 1968 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 85.5 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 | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
