1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1975 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 14 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 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volkswagen 1302 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin A 40 (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 40 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen 1302. 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, 1975 Volkswagen 1302 (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1975 Volkswagen 1302 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 | 1975 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 750 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 |
