1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1977 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volkswagen Golf (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Austin A 40 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1955 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 1955 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, both vehicles can yield 79 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 1977 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
