1955 Austin A 40 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 42 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 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 495 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 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1955 Austin A 40. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
