1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 25 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 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 220 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 104 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 | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
