1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 18 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (52 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 3 kg more than 1952 Austin A 40. 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, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1970 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 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 40 L |
