1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Sharan 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 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 674 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 Sharan, 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 Sharan (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1674 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2850 mm |
