1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 275 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, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen 1600 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 | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
