1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 53 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 443 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1473 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
