1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (64 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 185 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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 Rabbit, 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 Rabbit (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
