1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 45 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 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 183 kg more than 1954 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1213 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
