1957 Austin A 40 vs. 1969 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1969 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 4 more horse power than 1957 Austin A 40. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1957 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin A 40 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1969 Volkswagen 1600.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1969 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Austin A 40. (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1969 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Austin A 40 | 1969 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 40 L |
