1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 55 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 488 kg more than 1953 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
