1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 49 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 549 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 200 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 541 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 350 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
