1959 Austin A 40 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 21 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 200 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.
Because 1959 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 1959 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 40 | Passat |
Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 997 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 34 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 68 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 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 |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 960 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2560 mm |