1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 58 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 474 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
