1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Citi
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Citi is newer by 22 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 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Citi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Citi (64 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Citi 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 150 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Citi.
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, 1978 Volkswagen Citi, 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, 1978 Volkswagen Citi (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Citi 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 | 1978 Volkswagen Citi | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Citi |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
