1959 Austin A 40 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 50 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1959 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 1547 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 55 L |
