1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 36 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 1,763 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 223 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.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1952 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1988 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 | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
