1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1961 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,131 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Austin A 40 (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin A 40 weights approximately 1 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1961 Volkswagen Beetle (77 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm). This means 1961 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 40 L |
