1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1971 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1971 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 12 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 40 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen 1600.
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, 1971 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1971 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1971 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 40 L |
