1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 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 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP) has 18 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Passat 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 90 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 1981 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, 1981 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Austin A 40 | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 40 | Passat |
Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1295 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 41 HP | 59 HP |
Torque | 79 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 940 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2560 mm |