1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 52 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 1,899 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 359 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
