1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 46 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Polo 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 10 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 1998 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1998 Volkswagen Polo (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 1998 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
