1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Quantum
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Quantum is newer by 41 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Quantum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Quantum (109 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Quantum should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Quantum weights approximately 100 kg more than 1955 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Volkswagen Quantum, 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, 1996 Volkswagen Quantum (173 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Quantum 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 | 1996 Volkswagen Quantum | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Quantum |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2560 mm |
