1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1961 Austin A 40 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 80 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2430 mm |
