1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 52 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 365 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
