1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1961 Austin A 40 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 40 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1956 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 42 L |
