1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Gol
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen Gol is newer by 36 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 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volkswagen Gol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volkswagen Gol (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen Gol should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen Gol weights approximately 184 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, 1994 Volkswagen Gol, 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, 1994 Volkswagen Gol (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1994 Volkswagen Gol 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 | 1994 Volkswagen Gol | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Gol |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 81 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2480 mm |
