1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 24 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 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Austin A 40 (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 40 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. 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, both vehicles can yield 84 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
