1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Beetle (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 40 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1956 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 1956 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1974 Volkswagen Beetle (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 40 | 1974 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
