1960 Austin A 40 vs. 1992 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1992 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 430 kg more than 1960 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1992 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1992 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Austin A 40 | 1992 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2480 mm |
