1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 45 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 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 188 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 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, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
