1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 57 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1280 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 2012 Volkswagen T5 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
