1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 51 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), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 160 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, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (156 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 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 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2003 |
| 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 | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2860 mm |
