1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 29 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 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Polo (53 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin A 40 weights approximately 282 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Polo.
Because 1953 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 1953 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1982 Volkswagen Polo (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 1982 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
