1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 49 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 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 125 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, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 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 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
