1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 27 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 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (59 HP) has 18 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 65 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 60 L |
