1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 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 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Golf (53 HP) has 12 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Golf 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 170 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1952 Austin A 40 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 1952 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1984 Volkswagen Golf (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1984 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2340 mm |
