1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta 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 52 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 1985 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (133 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
