1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 13 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 1,271 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 160 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.
Because 1961 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 1961 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2480 mm |
