1958 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 50 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 403 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, 2008 Volkswagen New 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New 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 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 40 | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 1390 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 35 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 68 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 1164 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 55 L |