1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 46 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 638 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, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 55 L |
