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 2,000 cc, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (1,973 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1932 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 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 790 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 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 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 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 1973 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2919 mm |
