1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 189 kg more than 1958 Austin A 40. 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (158 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 55 L |
