1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Austin A 40 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin A 40 weights approximately 144 kg more than 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 1963 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
