1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 59 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 1,400 cc, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 751 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1723 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2919 mm |
