1956 Austin A 40 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 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), 1988 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (53 HP) has 12 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 40. (41 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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 200 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
