1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Golf (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 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 145 kg more than 1982 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, 1982 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, 1982 Volkswagen Golf (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1982 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 885 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 | 60 L |
