1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat 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 70 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1954 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 1954 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2560 mm |
