1952 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 60 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 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (84 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 70 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (132 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1199 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2470 mm |
