1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, both 1959 Austin A 40 and 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia were released in the same year (1959). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 110 kg more than 1959 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 40 | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2430 mm |
