1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen 1302 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 34 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 40 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen 1302.
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, 1974 Volkswagen 1302 (85 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen 1302 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 | 1974 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2410 mm |
