1954 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Kombi
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Kombi is newer by 55 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Kombi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Kombi (104 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Kombi should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Kombi weights approximately 1189 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, 2009 Volkswagen Kombi, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Kombi (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Kombi 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Kombi | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Kombi |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 2219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
