1954 Austin A 70 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin A 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 70. (66 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 70 weights approximately 324 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1954 Austin A 70 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 70. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1954 Austin A 70 (157 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1954 Austin A 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 70 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 70 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
